Tottenham Hotspur loanee Luka Vušković has been praised across the football world after his quick-thinking intervention potentially saved the life of Eintracht Frankfurt defender Rasmus Kristensen during a Bundesliga clash.
The incident occurred during the 65th minute of Hamburg's home game against Frankfurt on Matchday 15. Kristensen, the former Leeds United right-back, collided heavily with Hamburg's Miro Muheim while challenging for a ball and was left unconscious on the pitch.
Vušković's immediate reaction
While others froze, the 18-year-old Croatian defender sprinted towards the prone Danish international and immediately stuck his fingers into Kristensen's mouth to prevent him from swallowing his tongue — a potentially fatal complication when someone loses consciousness.
Frankfurt coach Dino Toppmöller was quick to acknowledge the youngster's heroics: "A big compliment to Vušković, he recognised the situation in a flash."
Kristensen was able to get back to his feet after receiving treatment from the Frankfurt medical staff, but was substituted as a precautionary measure. The match ended 1-1.
Rising star proving his maturity
Vušković's calm under pressure is remarkable for a player who only turned 18 in February. The centre-back, who joined Spurs from Hajduk Split in 2023, has been on loan at newly-promoted Hamburg this season and has already established himself as one of the most exciting young defenders in European football.
His performances have earned him:
- The Bundesliga Rookie of the Month award for October
- A market value that has doubled since the start of the season
- Senior international caps for Croatia
According to Fabrizio Romano, Tottenham are closely monitoring his development and are "delighted" with his progress. German football expert Andy Brassell told talkSPORT: "Despite only being 18, he was super quick-thinking and lauded for that. It's just in keeping with the way that he's been."
Fair Play award beckons
Vušković's selfless act could see him receive the prestigious Milka Fair Play of the Season award, which honours the most sporting act across Germany's top two divisions.
For Spurs fans watching from afar, this latest episode only reinforces what they already suspected: their Croatian wonderkid has the talent, the temperament, and now proven character to become a first-team fixture at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next season.
